Paper Mache Dogs

Lay two sheets of newspaper flat on the table, one on top of the other. Scrunch up three balls of newspaper and line them up on top of the flat newspaper sheets. Then roll the flat sheets around the balls, forming a tube shape, and tape the tube together with masking tape

Body

Bend the tube into an L shape to form the head and neck. Use masking tape to tape the bend in place.

Snout

Shape a scrunched-up piece of newspaper into the shape of a snout. Tape the snout onto the head with masking tape.

Ears

Use cardboard for ears. Draw two triangular shapes on the cardboard, then cut them out and tape to either side of the head.

Tail and Legs

Use a toilet paper roll to make the tail and legs. Cut a toilet paper roll in half lengthwise, then roll each half back into a tube and seal it with tape to form a leg. Use another half roll to form the tail. If you’re making a larger dog, you can use an entire toilet paper roll to form each leg.

Cover Dog with Masking Tape

Cover entire dog with two layers of masking tape, being sure to cover all the newspaper and cardboard. Smooth the tape down flat, leaving no gaps or air bubbles. This will ensure that the papier-mâché paste dries hardened.

Papier-Mâché

1. This is a messy activity! Be sure to cover table with newspaper, butcher paper or a big plastic bag.

2. To make your papiermâché paste, whisk together 2 cups water, 1 1/2 cups flour and 2 tablespoons salt in a bowl. Add more water if the paste is too thick.

3. Tear sheets of newspaper into long strips one to two inches wide.

4. Dip the paper strips into the paste. Slide your fingers down the paper strips to wipe the excess paste back into bowl. The strips shouldn’t be too heavy with paste.

5. Start to cover the dog with papier-mâché strips. Flatten down the strips to make your dog smooth.

6. Cover the entire dog with two layers of papier-mâché strips.

7. Let the papier-mâché dog dry thoroughly for one to two days. To avoid mold, do not let the dog dry in a humid or damp room. If possible, dry it in sunlight on a windowsill — or even outdoors.

Painting the Dog

You can use children’s poster paints or acrylic paint. Paint the entire body first. Once the body has dried, paint the eyes, nose, mouth and any other creative details! Send a photo of your paper dog to us — we would love to see your handiwork! editor@thebark.com